Request For Traffic Calming Measures On Gould Avenue Between Valley Drive And Sepulveda Boulevard (PDF File).
Notice Of Presentation Before The Public Works Commission Of Potential Traffic Calming Measures For Gould Avenue (PDF File).
Ray Abassi presented Traffic Calming Measures on Gould Avenue.
The presentation included the following information:
- Goals of traffic calming
- Graphs with traffic data taken over a three day period, indicating 70-75% of drivers are speeding while there is some slowing after the merge point
- Gould is a unusual situation because it is not completely residential
- Conditions contributing to the speeding in this area
- Samples of traffic calming solutions utilized in other communities
- The two phases of traffic calming - the non-geometric done at staff level and changes to area circulation
- Stop signs are not traffic calming measures
- Goal would be to cut down drivers' sight distance thereby forcing drivers to slow their vehicles
- Will be necessary to look at signalization at Pacific Coast Highway and Artesia Boulevard.
A full analysis will have to be done prior to any further action/approval.
Discussion among the commissioners and staff highlighted the following:
- Signs alone do not slow traffic
- Look at the properties and their accessibility with any proposed changes
- Shorten the merge
- At the intersection of PCH. and Gould, could/would a 'choker' back up traffic?
- The signal could be arranged to be visible from a shortened distance
- Eliminate 2 through lanes
- The timing of the light at PCH and Artesia, the cycle length needs to be adjusted
- Parking was not of demand in the area in question
- Cal Trans will have to be contacted for the lights and areas that are in their jurisdictional control
- The E/W at PCH and Artesia signal needs to be more responsive - have it change on demand like the signals at 190th and PCH
The meeting was then open for public comment on item 6a.
Jim Lissner, El Oeste
Mr. Lissner stated that the drawings look good. He suggested that if trees are to be put in, short trees should be considered since tall trees will bring complaints.
Mr. Maggiacomo, El Oeste
Mr. Maggiacomo noted that the parking situation on the westbound portion, just west of PCH, is not residential. He also said that he would like to see the street safer since he has two younger children.
Jim Parkman, Porter Lane,
Mr. Parkman said that the back of his house is on Gould, so he has an interest in the changes. He noted that it is already dangerous for him when making a left turn onto Gould and left onto Ardmore and then onto Porter, he said that the number of islands should be kept to a minimum and asked if the eastbound traffic would be a single lane.
Peter Tucker, 235 34th Street
Mr. Tucker said Caltrans has always been a problem. He believes that there should be signage directing traffic down Aviation, away from Gould Avenue. He noted that Artesia is currently under redesign. They should look at adding signage stating, "Hermosa Beach turn left, NO THROUGH TRAFFIC" at the intersection of Aviation and Artesia. This is a golden opportunity for Caltrans to take over. They could even consider putting in a drainage dip instead of islands.
Joseph Sardai of 2554 Ardmore
Mr. Sardai asked for clarification of the difference between residential and commercial areas. He noted that the amount of traffic on weekends should be looked at so that maybe a method of deterring traffic could be determined. He also asked if there was a budget restraint with regard to the type of changes that may be needed.
Commissioner Cheatham noted that it would have to go through approval processes and that it could take a few years before becoming part of the Five-Year Plan. It was also noted that the community could also show how important this is by investigating the possibilities of cost sharing.
Lois Chee, El Oeste
Ms. Chee asked if there were any statistics available regarding the number of tickets issued and if it was possible to get more officers out to patrol the area, noting this was also a possible way of getting the money to fund the needed changes.
Mr. Abassi noted that statistics were not available and that the issuance of tickets in the area might not hold up in court. In addition, Mr. Morgan noted that drivers would always take the shortest route available route.
Jim Lissner, El Oeste
Mr. Lissner stepped up to the podium to note that since Gould Avenue was re-designated a local street, Section 40802 of the California Vehicle Code says you CAN issue tickets that would hold up in court.
Further commission discussion:
Mr. Beste commented that he realizes that this is a major access point for the north end of the City and that many of those present would be interested in seeing effective changes at the intersection. He also noted that he wouldn't be in support of eastbound traffic lanes being reduced. He believes it is an important part of using the street and perhaps re-striping and shielding the traffic signals would be a low-cost method for reducing the traffic speed. He also noted that he agrees, that it is difficult to reduce speed after clearing the intersection.
Mr. Winnek noted that he concurs with Mr. Beste. Whether or not it is called an artery between PCH and the 91 Freeway, it is part of that route and he wouldn't recommend more that the Phase 1 signage changes. He also noted that he likes Mr. Tucker's suggestion of diverting traffic from Artesia to Aviation although it would create peril on another street.
Ms. Lombardo said she believes it is important that Hermosans takes pride in the City and that beautifying it by adding shrubbery pots in areas already marked would bet be taking anything away from traffic. She also said that the pots could be used as a test to see and if they didn't work, they could be moved to the plaza. This is the gateway to that part of the City.
Mr. Cheatham said he has a problem with the speed limit on Gould since it turns 75% of drivers into lawbreakers. He said he likes Phase 1 - adding striping, signage and trees in pots. He noted he'd like to see Mr. Abassi come back with a specific report at the May meeting.
Mr. Beste added that he doesn't think the commission knows enough about the intersections and that he'd be interested in what Caltrans says about the signal timing.
Any change that is adopted can work for a short time period; therefore it would have to be one that will have a lasting affect.
Chairman Cheatham closed this portion of the meeting noting it was the official community workshop; that he expected the Traffic Engineer to return at the May meeting with a more specific plan utilizing Phase 1 solutions which the Commission could then support and forward to the City Council for approval.
